10 Best Things to Do in Cleveland

Located on the southern shore of the spectacular Lake Erie, Cleveland, the second-largest city in Ohio, is a city burgeoning with rich culture and many attractions. Though sometimes overlooked as a travel destination, Cleveland holds a trove of experiences that will appeal to any traveler. From world-class museums to stunning botanical gardens, captivating theaters, and even the city’s nearby Amish Country, Cleveland offers up a charming blend of urban energy and natural beauty.

Continue reading to discover some of the best attractions Cleveland has to explore.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

One of music’s greatest honors, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame pays tribute to the rock stars that have redefined music as we know it. With ever-changing exhibits in addition to the actual Hall of Fame, this iconic space is perfect for music and history fans. Its permanent Legends of Rock exhibit even features memorabilia like handwritten song notes, a larger-than-life replica of Pink Floyd’s The Wall, instruments, and outfits worn by the greats. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the place to go to get a taste of one of the most iconic music movements ever.

Great Lakes Science Center

The renowned Great Lakes Science Center, found in downtown Cleveland, is the perfect place for visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of science and technology. The interactive museum is home to one of only eleven NASA Visitor Centers in the country, which is full of space exploration information and space artifacts. The Great Lakes Science Center also boasts an array of captivating permanent and temporary exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and many hands-on activities for visitors. No matter your age, you will be awed by the entertainment and education available at the Great Lakes Science Center.

Playhouse Square

With the exception of Lincoln Square in New York City, Playhouse Square takes the cake as the largest performing arts center in the country. A theater district constructed largely in the 1920s, this vital performing arts space along Euclid Avenue is an absolute must-visit destination in Cleveland. It hosts an impressive lineup of Broadway shows and musicals, dance performances, concerts, and more throughout the year, and it is home to groups like the Cleveland Ballet and the Cleveland Play House. This gem exemplifies the rich cultural tapestry of Cleveland and beyond, providing audiences with the magic of live performances.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to the serene Cleveland Botanical Garden. This more than 10-acre horticultural paradise, found in Cleveland’s artsy University Circle neighborhood, showcases breathtaking gardens, a stunning glasshouse conservatory, and other tranquil outdoor spaces. From the zen Japanese Garden to the exotic biomes of the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse, from the topiary garden to the award-winning Hershey Children’s Garden, this destination is well worth the visit.

Corner Alley

Billed as the “ultimate entertainment destination,” the famed Corner Alley of Cleveland is a venue for that timeless joy: bowling. This luxury bowling alley is stylishly decorated, sleek, and nearly vibrating with energy. Given that it is located in the heart of Cleveland’s downtown, it is ideally placed for a night out on the town. Thanks to its lively atmosphere, delectable and classic food offerings, as well as a wide selection of drinks, Corner Alley guarantees everyone a fun-filled experience.

West Side Market

Located in the historic Ohio City neighborhood, the eclectic West Side Market is a grand, tiled structure that is host to hundreds of vendors that sell a myriad of goods from across the world. From fresh seafood and beef to artisanal cheese and freshly cut flowers, West Side Market has something to suit every visitor’s taste. Since its opening in 1912, it has become one of Cleveland’s most iconic destinations — where anyone can buy fresh produce and handmade goods year-round.

Natural History Museum

Home to more than five million specimens and artifacts, Cleveland’s Natural History Museum is a vast repository of information on both human cultures and the world around us. With collections focused on botany, archaeology, human medicine, paleontology, and more, the Natural History Museum covers many niches. This fascinating institution also has exhibits and programs more geared towards children, including summer camps and animal-themed areas. For an unforgettable educational experience, head to the Natural History Museum.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Since 1913, the Cleveland Museum of Art has provided the city with a range of modern and contemporary artworks by renowned artists from across the world. Its exhibits are currently organized by regional and historical themes, e.g. African, Chinese, Medieval, Islamic, and many more. Its inspiring collection boasts more than 61,000 pieces, housed in a gorgeous neoclassical Beaux Arts building. One of the best things about the Cleveland Museum of Art is that its spectacular collection is available to the public for free, making it an absolute must-visit.

Amish Country

A simpler way of life is just a short drive away from Cleveland if you venture into the charming hills of the nearby Amish Country. Home to picturesque villages, pristine farmland, breathtaking country roads, and a warm and welcoming Amish community, Amish Country has much to offer. This blissful, bucolic escape is culturally immersive and incredibly relaxing. Whether you choose to taste some traditional, farm-grown Amish cuisine, shop for handmade crafts, or take a scenic horse-drawn buggy ride through the landscape, you will leave with stories to tell.

Cleveland can surprise visitors with its diverse range of attractions. From the exciting Great Lakes Science Center to the luxurious bowling experience at Corner Alley, there is truly something for everyone.